Whether you’ve brought home a puppy already or are thinking about getting one, we put together some advice on what to do before and after you bring them home.
After deciding what type of dog you want, where you’d get them from, and all the paperwork, your dog is either home or about to be. Now that you’ve made the leap, what else do you need to know?
Here are some tips for before and after your new puppy comes home.
BEFORE
Figuring these things out beforehand will save you time and frustration. Learning to get used to a new puppy will already have its challenges, so why not make life a little easier?
Supplies – food and water bowls, a leash, a crate, a dog bed, and lots of toys.1 These are the basic supplies you’ll need for when you bring your puppy home. A crate especially helps both with house training and establishing a place where your puppy feels safe.2
Rules – Do you want to allow your dog to sit on the couch? Or should they only hangout in their bed in the living room? What areas are they allowed to be in and which places aren’t they? Figure this out ahead of time to make it easier to teach your dog the rules.1
Vet & Insurance – Puppies need to go to the vet more frequently at first, especially if they aren’t vaccinated already. Figure out where you’ll go for their regular visits and who to call in case of an emergency. Pet Insurance may also be something you want to look into to help cover the cost of the vet bills.2
Puppy Proof – This one is really important. Just like you would baby proof your home before having a child, you need to make sure your home is safe for your puppy.3 Make sure they can’t get into the trash, or cabinets where food is stored, or into plants that are toxic to them.2 Make sure electrical cords are out of reach and can’t be chewed on.3
AFTER
If you already brought your puppy home, here are some things to think about:
Start Sooner – Training should start right away. It takes determination and patience, but it’s important and will help your dog get the hang of things in their new home sooner.1
Budget – Pets are expensive. Monthly expenses for food and toys can add up, not to mention vet bills on top of it if you don’t have insurance. Make sure you budget accordingly so you have enough to provide for your new dog and can cover the costs of any emergency that comes up.3
Establish a Schedule – Dogs work on routines just like we do. Figure out what your schedule looks like day-to-day. This will not just help you stay organized and prevent accidents, but will help your dog feel more comfortable as well.1&2
Socialize – This will help your dog behave better around others. Without proper socialization, they can become aggressive toward other dogs. Bring them to a training class or a doggy daycare to help expose them to other dogs and make new friends.2
Do you have a dog you brought home as a puppy? What was the biggest learning curve? Share with us on Instagram @passport2wildlife!
All the best,
Chris & the WERC Team
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